Remand extended by 30 days for motorcyclist caught riding lying down

The Criminal Court on Sunday extended the remand of a young man with over MVR 44,000 in outstanding traffic violation fines accused of riding a motorcycle while lying flat on his stomach and under the influence of narcotics.

Ahmed Fariz, 26, a native of K. Maafushi, was arrested by the police on October 4 on allegations of driving recklessly while under the failure of narcotics and of failing to obey police orders to stop and hitting a police vehicle as he attempted to flee.

He is being held for obstruction of police and destruction of property.

The Criminal Court extended his remand by 30 days on Sunday.

Fariz was arrested after the police received information regarding a motorcyclist driving recklessly from Hulhumale’ to Male’ on the highway without wearing a helmet and while lying flat on his stomach.

The police identified him and attempted to intercept him at the traffic light on the Male’-end of the Sinamale’ Bridge. However, he refused to stop and sped along the Boduthakurufaanu Magu in an attempt to evade police. This prompted the police to launch a high-speed chase, during which he hit the police car, causing damage.

He abandoned his motorcycle and fled on foot, but was later apprehended by patrolling police officers from Moonlight Hingun.

Fariz claimed at court that the police deliberately rear-ended him during the chase.

However, this claim was denied by police, who said that Fariz was repeatedly warned to stop, and that he also drove the wrong way on one-way streets and deliberately and repeatedly hit the police car during the chase, resulting in scratches on the vehicle.

The police also told the court that he admitted during interrogation to driving while under the influence of narcotics. However, he denied riding the motorcycle lying down.

The court cited that driving while under the influence creates a dangerous situation that endangers the lives of drivers as well as others.

Fariz’ current remand period is set to expire on November 10.

Fariz has an extensive record for traffic violations, racking up MVR 44,000 in outstanding fines for various violations, including driving without a license, driving the wrong way on one-way streets, as well as speeding and reckless driving.